BYU Football: Position Preview – Wide Receivers
By Ron Jensen
The Reinforcements
Just because coaches are pleased with what they’ve seen doesn’t mean they’re not looking forward to the newcomers that will arrive for fall camp. As Fesi Sitake says, “We like what we have. In terms of depth, we feel when the new guys get here (this fall), we’ll have the 8, 9 we’ll need (to compete)”
He mentioned several individuals that he’s personally excited about. The first is Gunner Romney (6’2, 180). A 247Sports 4-star recruit, he’s the biggest get of the 2018 recruiting class. Don’t be surprised if this freshman phenom cracks the rotation or even starts this fall.
Dylan Collie (5’10, 175) also came up in our chat. This former Cougar, who recently decided to transfer back to BYU from Hawaii, should also impact the group immediately.
Collie led the Rainbow Warriors with 67 catches, in addition to 659 receiving yards. His experience and abilities should prove to be invaluable to this struggling group.
Next, we discussed Brayden Cosper (6’3, 195). The big target played for Utah 6A State Champion Bingham High. Cosper’s size, speed, and ability to go and get the ball may earn him playing time, too.
Cosper’s high school teammate Dax Milne’s name then entered the conversation. Milne (5’11, 175) will come to Provo as a preferred walk-on this fall. Said Sitake, “(He) had offers at other places, but chose to walk-on here. We feel he can be as good as the others we offered (scholarships to).”
Rumors once indicated that Dallin Holker (6’5, 222), Lehi Football’s star tight end might join the receivers group in August. Sitake put that notion to rest, saying “He’s going to be a tight end for us, but we might flex him out a little. I won’t be his position coach, though.” More evidence, that Sitake really is confident in these reinforcements.
Even though half of the receivers BYU football will count on this season are fresh faces, fans have reason to be optimistic. A revitalized passing game is something that the Cougars not only want, but needs, to succeed the way they once did.